Strolling Through Beautiful Castles Czech Republic

Bezdez Castle

Bezdez Castle is a Gothic castle that was built in the 13th century by the order of Premysl Otakar II. The castle sits on Phonolite Hill in Velky Bezdex. It is one of the most significant Gothic monuments in the country and has historical roots in Czech folklore and literature.

Cesky Krumlov Castle

Cesky Krumlov Castle means “the place on the rugged meadow.” The castle complex sits on rocks that have been sculpted by the Vitava River and the Polecnice Stream. It was built combining the Renaissance and Baroque styles and is one of the largest castle complexes in central Europe. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are forty buildings and palaces situated around five castle courts surrounded by a castle park. Guided tours are available, and highlights include the castle tower, gardens, and Baroque theater.

Hluboka Castle

This castle is among the most famous and visited castles in the Czech Republic. It is a National Cultural Monument. Hluboka Castle is located near Ceske Budejovice and was established in the second half of the 13th century. The castle was reconstructed in the neo-Gothic style based on the Windsor Castle in England. Hluboka Castle has 140 rooms and 11 towers and bastions. It is surrounded by a lovely park.

Karlstein Castle

Karlstein Castle is located 30 km southwest of Prague. In 1348 the castle served as a place to hide the crown jewels of Emperor Charles IV. Lying in ruins the castle was restored in the Gothic style. Visitors can admire the impressively furnished rooms and see the duplicates of the Czech crown jewels and the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire.

Visitors can tour the Knight’s Hall, Charles IV Bedchamber, the Audience Hall, and the Jewel House. There are tour options, and one tour will take you to the upper levels of the Great Tower for amazing views of the surrounding countryside.

Konopiste Castle

This castle is located about 50 km from Prague. It is known as the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. It was built as a Gothic fortification during the 13th century and later on rebuilt in the Baroque style. At Konopiste Castle visitors can learn about the Archduke and his family, visit his residential rooms, and view his collection of antlers. There is an armory of medieval weapons and a shooting hall with moving targets. Take a stroll around the garden with Italian Renaissance statues and greenhouses.

Kost Castle

This castle can be found surrounded by a thick forest in the Cesky Raj region. It is also known as Bone Castle, named for its impenetrable, thick walls. Kost Castle is the best-preserved Gothic castle in the country. It sits on a low promontory overlooking fishponds.

Visitors can tour the interior and take a tour of the trapezoid White Tower.

Krivolet Castle (pictured above)

Surrounded by a forest, Krivolet Castle was built in the 13th century. For many years it was used as a prison. Today it is home to a museum and houses old hunting weapons, Gothic paintings, and books. Visitors can see the late Gothic Chapel and the star vault of the Royal Hall.

The castle library contains 52,000 books. You can get great views from the Great Tower. There is also a ghostly torture chamber. During the first week of August, the castle hosts a traditional craft fair and woodcarvers festival in the castle courtyard.

Lednice Castle

This is a majestic castle located in the village of Lednice. In the background is the largest park in the Czech Republic. Lednice Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful castle complexes built in the English neo-Gothic style. The castle is surrounded by gardens and parkland. The grounds include a greenhouse, a minaret, and various ponds and walking paths.

Orlik Castle

Orlik Castle has been home to Bohemian kings and was once home to Field Marshall Charles Philip, the commander of the allied armies against Napoleon at the Battle of Leipzig. This castle dates back to the 13th century. At one time it was transformed from a wooden fort into a Gothic castle and later renovated in the Renaissance style and finally into the neo-Gothic style. Orlik Castle is home to artwork that depicts historical events, personalities, and weaponry from the 16th to the 20th century. Visitors can also see the largest private collection of hunting rifles in the Czech Republic and personal gifts that Napoleon gave to Charles Philip.

Rabi Castle

Rabi Castle is the largest castle ruin in Bohemia, near the Sumava Mountains and overlooking the Otava River. Built in the Gothic style, it became a National Cultural Monument in 1978. The dominant feature of the castle is the residential tower with awesome views of Southwestern Bohemia.